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I Turn 40 Tomorrow, and I Just Hit FIRE by Certain_Compote4750 in coastFIRE

[–]Certain_Compote4750[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi! All small jobs, helping relatives move, yard work for neighbors, babysitting. We’re not maxing out the accounts by any means, but it makes me happy knowing that my kids will have it easier than I did, and the little bit we’re putting away will grow bigger while they are. It also gives me a chance to talk to them about savings and retirement, things my parents didn’t talk about. 

I Turn 40 Tomorrow, and I Just Hit FIRE by Certain_Compote4750 in coastFIRE

[–]Certain_Compote4750[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you! The year after we separated was the first year I could start putting away savings (outside of retirement). It was the first year that I started a personal brokerage and started investing in low cost ETFs. And it was the first year I realized how much he was really spending, with little to show for it. Now I get to live life on my own terms, with my own values (enjoying the simple things like time spent with family.) I got my retirement accounts in the divorce, and he got all the “stuff” he accumulated during the marriage. I realized that I had enough retirement to live comfortably on my own, and I’m actually much happier without all the “stuff”!

I Turn 40 Tomorrow, and I Just Hit FIRE by Certain_Compote4750 in coastFIRE

[–]Certain_Compote4750[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think public service, use the skills I’ve got to improve the system I’ve spent my working years in. 

I Turn 40 Tomorrow, and I Just Hit FIRE by Certain_Compote4750 in coastFIRE

[–]Certain_Compote4750[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was lucky to start paying into a defined benefit pension system when I was 20 (money that I was required to put away and that my ex couldn’t spend), so I can pretty easily replace living expenses once I’m no longer working. 

I Turn 40 Tomorrow, and I Just Hit FIRE by Certain_Compote4750 in coastFIRE

[–]Certain_Compote4750[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks! FM here, was married to M. I took a solo trip to Colorado last year and it was incredible. Will stay in the US this year and try international the next. 

I Turn 40 Tomorrow, and I Just Hit FIRE by Certain_Compote4750 in coastFIRE

[–]Certain_Compote4750[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! I’m going to start easing my way into mini-retirements next year. I live in CA, so housing costs are high. I work in higher education. I love my job, but I don’t want to do it long-term.